Parenting has always been a juggling act, but for today's working parents, the stakes and stress levels are higher than ever. From navigating childcare logistics and financial strain to supporting children's mental health, the pressures have reached a point where they're no longer just personal issues—they're impacting productivity, retention, and long-term employee wellbeing. 

If you're responsible for choosing employee benefits for working parents, you may not see the full picture behind an employee's performance. But providing comprehensive, accessible workplace benefits for parental stress can dramatically improve outcomes across your business. 

What Is the Mental Load for Working Parents? 

In Canada, a Capterra survey found 65% of working mothers are experiencing significant mental health strain from trying to balance work and family responsibilities¹. Many feel overlooked, excluded from opportunities, or unsupported when it comes to managing life changes like pregnancy and parenting. The consequences? Burnout, disengagement, and high turnover, not to mention the growing number of parents who feel like they're "barely hanging on." 

Why the Pandemic Made It Worse 

COVID-19 didn't create these issues, but it did accelerate them. More than 80% of working parents say the pandemic worsened their teenagers' mental health, contributing to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges. That impact extends to parents themselves: 33% report increased financial stress, and nearly a third say their own mental health has suffered as a result². 

Download the free Mental Health Playbook to learn how better benefits can reduce stress, boost productivity, and support your team. 

How Employer Support Affects the Mental Health of Working Parents 

As a business owner or HR decision-maker, you might not always see the stress your employees carry home or bring to work. But it shows up in subtle ways: 

• Lower engagement and motivation 
• Missed deadlines or reduced productivity 
• Increased absenteeism 
• Higher turnover, especially among working parents 

That's why offering meaningful mental health support for parents isn't just a "nice-to-have," it's a competitive advantage. 

GroupHEALTH's Employee Benefits for Parents: Mental Health, Virtual Care & More

At GroupHEALTH, we understand that one-size-fits-all benefits don't cut it anymore. That's why we offer flexible, modern solutions that make it easier for employees to care for their families and themselves. Here's how we help: 

Mental Health Support 

Through our sparrow app, employees and their families can access diverse and accessible mental health support for parents, including counselling and coaching; when and where they need it most. 

Virtual Healthcare

No more scrambling for appointments. Our virtual care solutions let employees connect with medical professionals from their phones, tablets, or computers—quickly and securely. 

Employee & Family Assistance Program 

A modernized EFAP offers everything from mental health counselling to financial coaching, supporting the whole family's wellness. 

Wellness Spending Account 

Give employees the flexibility to invest in services that matter most to them—whether that's therapy, parenting workshops, fitness programs or alternative care. 

Practical, Actionable Wellness Content 

We don't stop at providing benefits—we also send regular tips, tools, and resources to help employees maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. 

When your team is equipped to handle the stressors of modern life, everyone benefits—from stronger performance to higher retention rates. 

Why Investing in Parental Benefits Improves Retention and Productivity 

Parents don't need more platitudes or pizza parties. They need tangible support that reduces their stress and empowers them to do their best work without sacrificing their wellbeing. A benefits plan that prioritizes employee benefits for working parents helps them feel seen, supported, and valued—and you'll see the results in engagement, loyalty, and productivity. 

Looking to build a benefits plan that truly supports your employees and your business? 

Sources 

1. Benefits Canada | Majority of Canadian working moms struggling with work-life balance: survey
2. Benefits Canada | More employer support needed for parents of teens facing mental-health challenges: survey